NGCP prepares for Typhoon Yolanda

By MIlfrance Capulong BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 7 (PIA) - The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has implemented the necessary preparations and precautions to minimize the impact of Typhoon Yolanda on NGCP operations and facilities. Preparation included ensuring the reliability of communications equipment, availability of hardware materials and supplies necessary for the repair of damages to facilities, as well as the positioning of line crews in strategic areas, to facilitate immediate restoration work. NGCP’s Integrated Disaster Action Plan (IDAP) prescribes these and other procedures to ensure the readiness of all power transmission facilities expected to be affected by the passage of the weather disturbance. Typhoon Yolanda has entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility at 12:00 AM today. Based on PAGASA’s forecast, it is expected to move West Northwest at 30kph with a maximum sustained wind of 215kph and gustiness of 250kph. NGCP’s Overall Disaster Command Center monitors all power restoration activities, reports, and updates from the Regional Command Centers in North Luzon, South Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, whichever is directly affected by the weather disturbance. (NGCP/PIA-Caraga)